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Article #201: What Sets Chinese Painting Apart From Western Painting

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Because of different instruments, forms he finds in nature, such as ovals,
materials and cultural background, Chinese circles, and geometric lines which are
paintings have their own image and content found also found in Chinese calligraphy.
in comparison to other types of paintings. Thus, all Chinese paintings whether they
Unique appearance of Chinese Painting owes are landscapes or the human figure are
much to the use of the Chinese writing painted with the same movement, rhythm,
brush and the Chinese paper (rice and and harmony that is used when drawing the
silk). There are four essential elements forms of calligraphy. Calligraphy is a
used in the creation of Chinese Painting, form of art, even more revered and honored
the brush, ink, paper, and the ink stone. than all other painting.
Lacking any of them the job cannot be In the same theme they may spend hours
done. contemplating and drawing inspiration from
The most important factors for Chinese the figures of nature such as humming
Painting are the special pedagogy, the birds with their fragile wings, the robust
close relationship with the painter's legs of the cricket, and the fascinating
personality and the unique Chinese form of the praying mantis. From the minor
philosophy. They are trained not only to or simple creatures that are chosen as
convey the objects but also express the subjects of art work, we can see how they
mood and the spirit of the subject. The enjoy the nature and the love they devote
Chinese also believe that the painting is to the most humble things.
the expression of the painter's knowledge The Chinese painter finds it offensive to
and temperament. In this way, Chinese contemplate and draw the human figure by
Painting becomes something much more than itself. Human beings are part of the
art. surrounding heavens and earth. They are
The most essential philosophy of China is all together. That is why Chinese
the unity of Heaven, Earth and Human paintings are simple in composition and
Beings. What the Chinese Painters are full of harmony, overall balance and peace
trying to express is not what meets the with all of creation. They are interested
eye, but their attitude to the Great in the mood and spirit.
Nature. The Chinese painter has a profound Copyright 2004 © Ernesto Apomayta
love and admiration for nature. It is Publishing guidelines: You may publish my
part of their culture, religious practices article in your newsletter, on your
and their need to depend on nature to website, or in your print publication
survive. provided you include the resource box at
In relationship to human and animal the end. Notification would be appreciated
figures, the Chinese painter utilizes the but is not required.






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